The 7000 DWT (dead weight) and 442 TEU (twenty foot equivalent units) ship, built at a cost of USD13.40 over two years in Thailand, adds to the company's fleet of five vessels. The fleet will operate on the routes of Bay of Bengal, Andaman Seas and Malacca Straits.

According to Gati MD & CEO Mahendra Agarwal Gati will focus on acquiring vessels so as to expand its tonnage as well as make its fleet younger and better equipped. Having started with a liner service of 4000 DWT, the Rs. 576 crore shipping company, today, has a tonnage of 43,581 DWT.

"Gati Coast to Coast provides liner services unlike other players in the industry. Hence the impact of the global financial downturn is relatively less as we operate in a niche segment," Gati Coast to Coast president T. Kumaran said.